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The Hill

What it’s about

At a British military stockade in North Africa during the Second War, five men, including outspoken prisoner Joe Roberts (Connery), endure the humiliations of a hard-nosed Sergeant Major (Andrews) and his henchmen, who assign their charges various torturous duties. After a fellow prisoner dies as a result, Roberts protests, spurring the full-hilt abuse of the warden and his staff. Will they manage to break his rebellious spirit?

Why we love it

Sidney Lumet's agonizing, tightly directed prison film features a convincing and simmering turn by Connery, fresh off his flashy role as Bond in “Thunderball.” Here, Connery portrays a stalwart soldier who endures brutalization at the hands of Andrews's no-bull sergeant from hell. Ossie Davis steals scenes as a rebellious West Indian; but look for Michael Redgrave, too, as a brig staffer with a more humane disposition. Gritty and powerful, “The Hill” celebrates the heroism of defiance. Climb it!

Sean Connery, Michael Redgrave, Harry Andrews, Ian Bannen, Ossie Davis, Roy Kinnear, Alfred Lynch, Jack Watson Sidney Lumet

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